Monday, February 25, 2008

I think I'm going to scream if I hear one more interest group (intended pun) apply pressure to the government to not spend money. I don't have any problems understanding the economic rationale, however, that shouldn't be the overwhelming consideration.

In Victoria we have seen a government too paralysed, by fear, to spend money, and when they do it is on the basis of public private partnerships.

Now, I have a fundamental problem with this. My argument is simple, but I think it should only need to be relatively simple.

It is as follows. Traditionally, we paid taxes, to the government, in order that the government would spend the money in ways that would benefit the community. Now, we didn't always agree with every cent of expenditure, however, overall most people, I assume, would agree that generally we were better off as a result of this.

Now, we pay taxes, however, it would appear that the government is too scared to spend the money and therefore decides to hold onto the money. Then, when we really need something, it engages a private public partnership to complete whatever project.

Therefore, we now pay twice, plus a margin sufficient to provide the private part of the transaction an adequate profit to justify their involvement.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

What is it that Brian has that so many Labor Policians, including the current Prime Minister, have wanted to get their hands on.

It's clear Kevin wouldn't normally associate with Brian, but it's equally evident that he did in the run up to putting together his leadership run.

And if Brian is trully an Arfur Daly, then what has he got to help protect his back. Please god, let it be a juicy scandal, just like the ones they get in the UK and America. You know the sort of thing I mean, a politican being found in a nun's habit, handcuffed to a bed, whips etc.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Then, I thought, if ever there was someone in Australia the Queen, would, should, select it is John Howard.

He has been her most loyal supporter, and has shown skill in defending her crown, as all good knights should. Who could ever forget his brilliant managment of the referendum, so skillfully drafted it could never be passed.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Brendan gets on board, finally. Who the hell is advising him. This was a battle he would never win, too many members of his own party can see it is the right thing to do. Still, he's only interim leader. The real leader is waiting in the wings, but more about that later.

The good thing is we all agree, sorry doesn't have to be the hardest word.

You can now buy here

About Me

I'm a political cartoonist based in Melbourne. Also, I retail laundry clothes drying hangers (made in Japan) from my online store "my japanese laundry". Please feel free to help feed a starving cartoonist.

Publication of Cartoons

I am happy for you to copy and use any of the cartoons for non commercial purposes. If you wish to use for a commercial purpose please contact me and we can make the appropriate arrangements. The only other condition is that credit and a link to this site is also given. Copywrite remains with me and all of those normal conditions apply.

I got second in the newmatilda cartoon competition.

This is a copy of the formal announcement.

We are very pleased to announce that the winner of the inaugural newmatilda.com prize for political cartooning is Sarah Parsons. One of more than 140 competition entries, Sarah's "Climate cliché" was chosen by our panel of five judges as the outright winner of first prize and $6,000.Sarah is a professional cartoonist from the Blue Mountains. The announcement was made last night at the Old Fitzroy Hotel in Sydney's Woolloomooloo by former Senator Andrew Bartlett. While acknowledging her credit card may be the major beneficiary of the prize money, Sarah appreciated the opportunity the newmaitlda.com prize has given to illustrators and cartoonists.Also participating in the event was our very own satirist Ben Pobjie and Natasha Stott Despoja. Natasha enjoyed the chance to respond to political cartoonists, having been a subject for caricature over the past few years in federal politics.The second prize of $1,000 went to Melbourne cartoonist Ian Martin, with his entry "Rudds School Plan". Cartoonist for the Australian newspaper, Lindsay Foyle won third prize and $500 for his entry, "Brendan Nelson Policy Statement".newmatilda.com is delighted with the response and interest in our inaugural competition. There were many terrific entries and they can all be viewed on the competition site.We are already planning next year's prize and looking forward to many more great illustrations from cartoonists in Australia and New Zealand.Thank you to each of our judges, Natasha Stott Despoja, Marni Cordell, Andrew Bartlett, Bruce Petty and Ben Pobjie.